The development of the fire-resisting door, shutter or curtain Installation, Maintenance & Dismantle and Repair competence framework aims to establish a structured, standardised approach for assessing and ensuring the competencies in the sector.

The framework will cover all non-timber and non-composite fire resisting doors and shutters and fire resisting curtain systems; it does not relate to timber or composite doors. The industry is fragmented across multiple sectors, in particular, Specialist Installation Occupations (SIO) and Passive Fire Protection (PFP) and does not have a clear training pathway through either the NVQ or Apprenticeship route, the exception being endorsements in the SIO doors, gates and barriers NVQ which has been identified as not fit for purpose in its current format.

It is recognised that there will be interest and uptake of this Competence Framework and future National Occupational Standards (NOS) based vocational qualifications across both the Specialist Installation Occupation  (Doors, Shutter, Gates and Barriers) and Passive Fire Protection sectors. It is essential that there are clearly defined qualification pathways and CSCS carding journeys.

There are numerous ‘qualifications’ available in the sector, the majority of which do not reach the threshold required for vocational competence in the specific area.

The framework serves to address the growing demand for high-quality and safe installations and service operations, promoting the development of skilled professionals who meet industry standards.

The framework outlines key competencies required for the Installation, Maintenance & Dismantle and Repair and of non-timber and non-composite fire resisting doors and shutters and fire resisting curtain systems, including health and safety, training and qualification landscape and any re-validation requirements. It is designed to guide training programs, qualifications, employers, workers and regulatory bodies across the industry.

This competency model is intended to reduce risks associated with poor practices, improve building performance, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Development Process

Significant work on the non-fire-resisting door, shutter, gate and barrier competence framework during 2024 and 2025 highlighted the need for the development of a dedicated fire-resisting door, shutter and curtain system competence framework, which led directly to the development of a separate suite of NOS dedicated to the installation, maintenance and repair of fire-resisting door, shutter and curtain systems.

The NOS development work was prioritised over the competence framework and was undertaken by a working group of industry experts from both the door and shutter and passive fire sectors and completed at the end of 2025.

It is recognised that there will be a transitional period between the launch of the revised Specialist Installation Occupation (non-fire doors, shutters, gates and barriers) standard and the introduction of the non-timber and composite fire-resisting door, shutter or curtain NOS. During this period, no formal route to competence will be available for the fire-resisting products covered by this framework. However, it should be noted that the current arrangements are not fit for purpose, as outlined above.

The competence framework presented below is fully aligned to the new National Occupational Standards and endorsed by members of the NOS working group.

Outcomes and Findings

The working group extensively discussed several key issues:

  • The development of this Competence Framework and the associated NOS:

    • addresses the current fragmented nature of the training landscape by providing a clear and current set of Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) criteria, agreed by industry experts

    • provides a clear distinction between the SKEB requirements for the application of fire-resisting and non-fire-resisting products

    • introduces SKEB for fire-resisting curtains

    • provides a clear product grouping (based on ES/EN standards) for VQ assessment and endorsement purposes

    • provides a clear route to competence (in the future state upon completion of the NOS implementation) for the sector

To address the key issues, the following developments are proposed:

  • The following points have been identified for future implementation:

    • completion of the associated NOS development and qualification build process

    • the need for adoption of the associated NOS for training provider and awarding organisation delivery in all four nations

    • development of an On-Site Training and Assessment (OSAT)offer to compliment the VQ and support the upskilling of Partially Trained & Experienced Workers in the industry

    • standardisation of CPD and revalidation requirement (including renewal timelines and mandating Fire Safety in Buildings training) between CSCS and the alliance providers

    • the need for CITB training standards development to support future revalidation and CPD requirements

    • a sector wide review of progression requirements beyond installation, maintenance and repair